One-Eyed Monster

Just at the moment when Igor and Kadi were marveling at where the door was, there was suddenly a commotion under their feet.

The chaotic little grasses began to move as if they understood human nature, and soon paved the way, forming a winding path on the ground.

The leafless trees also began to change, bending down and connecting to form a dome of intertwining branches above the path.

This special path led deeper in, pointing directly to a wide-open door.

”Let’s go, gentlemen!” Old Cole took the lead, guiding Igor and Kadi.

Igor and Kadi gaped in shock at the scene that had just unfolded, astounded that these unruly trees could become so orderly.

What kind of plants are these! Igor and Kadi’s minds were filled with new questions as they grew both amazed and bewildered by the flowers and plants.

Old Cole offered no explanation, walking straight ahead with his back straight.

This made Igor and Kadi even more curious about everything before them.

As they stepped onto the path, the trees and plants returned to their original state, the path disappearing with their steps without a trace. This transformation made Igor and Kadi’s mouths open wider and wider...

It was truly amazing, with the lush unusual grasses blocking the way, while the bald trees deflected curious glances—after all, no one would care to look at ugly trees devoid of leaves.

Yet these bizarre and ugly trees and plants hid such a secret location, the end of this path being a doorway formed by two trees.

This door had no panels. No, not that it had no panels, rather the panels were unique—made from these very plants.

Igor and Kadi followed behind Old Cole, waiting for his explanation, yet Old Cole spoke no unnecessary words.

”Alright, we’re at the door now. Soon, you’ll slowly discover all the answers you wanted to know.” Old Cole said.

After speaking, Old Cole closed his eyes, stood under the doorway with arms spread wide, seemingly welcoming something as if basking in sunlight.

Igor and Kadi’s shock yet unresolved, a new situation presented itself, filling them with even more wonder.

The two trees forming the door suddenly sprouted a branch, like an arm holding a towel, skillfully wiping the sweat off Old Cole’s brow. Then, the two trees seemed to gain the ability to summon mist, spraying a white mist around Old Cole, seemingly helping to cleanse his entire body. Finally, the trees extended their lush branches, waving them to create a breeze that made the mist on Old Cole disappear without a trace.

This...

Igor and Kadi exchanged bewildered glances, finally understanding why Old Cole didn’t mind being drenched in sweat.

Igor and Kadi mimicked this at the doorway, letting the trees do their tricks, and soon they, too, were refreshed, full of energy.

If only they had known, they wouldn’t have bothered with a bath...

”Don’t even think about it, these Welcoming Trees only treat clean guests with respect. If you approach them looking slovenly, they’ll kick you away.” Old Cole shrugged, clearly aware of what Igor and Kadi were just thinking.

Everything was so magical that Igor and Kadi were taken aback, of course surprised by Old Cole’s apparent divination skills as well.

”Can you read minds? How did you know what we were thinking?”

”It’s not that I can read minds; it’s that you inadvertently spoke out loud, and speaking it aloud, you didn’t even realize it.” Old Cole said with a smile.

”Is that so? We didn’t notice at all.” Kadi and Igor exchanged glances again, realizing they hadn’t noticed they had been speaking to themselves.

”Probably the result of too much astonishment, haha, I was very surprised when I first saw this place, and I was much older than you are now. It’s only natural for you kids to react this way.” Old Cole explained to Igor and Kadi.

Having passed through the two Welcoming Trees, they entered the interior of the garden.

The sights within the garden were naturally beyond words, leaving Igor and Kadi helpless as their mouths couldn’t gape any wider!

”All these plants were personally collected by Princess Juliette, each one exceedingly rare.” Old Cole slowly explained to Igor and Kadi.

”The princess is so interested in these plants?” Kadi found this phenomenon hard to understand.

”Yes, the kind princess always wants to protect plants that have nearly gone extinct due to war, which is also an important purpose of this garden’s existence.”

”Does Her Highness the Princess also have an animal sanctuary featuring various animals?”

”That, I haven’t heard of, but if she does, it wouldn’t be in Xinbal. Animals aren’t like plants, they have higher demands and are very particular about their living environments.”

Kadi felt a twinge of disappointment; he had hoped to take this opportunity to see some exotic animals. Now it seemed there was no hope; he had to make do with the plants.

”The Princess has so much patience, maintaining so many plants, I would have given up long ago.”

”Yes, the plants the Princess maintains have given her great returns; the path is one, and so are the trees at the entrance.” Old Cole said with emotion.

”So these plants can also become sentient!” Igor laughed heartily, never imagining he would encounter such a garden in Xinbal.

Everything in this garden was so novel; Igor could stare at a single flower all day.

For Igor, everything here was intriguing and worthy of his attention. These were things he was curious about, and as someone aspiring to be an Adventurer, he was bound to have stars in his eyes for these wonders.

”Many of these plants are also enhanced by Spirit Power, and you can ask Princess Juliette about these when the time comes.” Old Cole chuckled; he seemed quite satisfied with the two young men’s reactions.

Before long, they reached the garden’s deepest part, where they saw a small fountain not far away, surrounded by some benches. These benches were simple yet exceedingly charming around the fountain.

Beside these charming benches stood a noble woman, her hands on her waist, pushing her stomach forward, indicating she was expectant.